This is where you start
Twenty years ago, you had a beautiful dream filled with fashion designs. You woke up, sketched them, and wondered if you were meant to be a designer. You kept drawing, growing more confident that this was your calling. But when it came time to apply for university, your parents told you there was no future in fashion in your country, and you let the dream go. You’ve carried that regret ever since.
Last week, you were invited to a special event. You wanted something elegant but not overdone. It felt like the perfect moment to refresh your wardrobe. You visited every boutique, tried countless dresses, and nothing felt right. Some pieces were unflattering, others made you look years older… and you kept thinking: Why is it so hard to find something that feels like me?
Or maybe you’re a man wondering why there are so few menswear brands with designs beyond basics.
And then it hits you: Why don’t I create my own fashion brand?
But suddenly the doubts appear: you have no skills, no experience, no idea where to start.
Here are a few simple steps I learned from working with 200+ clients and building my own brand:
1. Know your WHY.
Don’t build a brand around one beautiful design. Write down the real reason you want to do this. On hard days, that reason will keep you going. And trust me, there will be plenty.
2. Define your brand.
Who is your customer? What style are you drawn to? Write everything down: ideas, pros, cons. Choose your niche: womenswear, menswear, kidswear, athleisure. Then narrow it further: daywear, evening, swimwear, etc.
Create what truly inspires you. People buy your passion and your story. Brainstorm freely.
3. Understand your customer.
You are not for everyone, and that’s a good thing. Your friends don’t have to like your prices or your concept. Build an ideal customer moodboard and design with them in mind.
4. Start small.
Decide what pieces you want to start with. It doesn’t need to be a full collection, even 10 pieces is already a lot. You can always add more styles later.
Begin with 1 - 3 designs. If you’re focusing on a monoproduct, like a trench coat or a dress, even one style is enough.
Avoid planning a full wardrobe: from T-shirts to coats and puffers. You can expand into other categories over time. Starting too big will only drain your entire budget on product development.
5. Allow time for product development and production.
If you’re new, you may want to skip steps, but product development is the most important part. Patterns, samples, fittings, adjustments, grading: this takes time. If you want a seasonal collection, start months ahead. You can’t begin fall pieces in August unless they’re for next year.
6. Build your team.
As a small brand, you’ll wear many hats: sourcing fabrics, social media, website building. But you’ll still need experts. Even if you create your own patterns, you’ll need a production team.
Find the right partners (like us 😉). We can help from start to finish or step in anywhere you need.
7. Work on your branding.
While your product is in development, work on your logo, colors, website, labels, and story. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just begin.
8. Share your journey before your launch.
Don’t wait for perfect photos or the perfect product. Show your process on social media. Build trust before you launch.
9. Plan your photoshoot.
Once your prototypes are approved, you can start planning your photoshoot for your website and Social Media.
10. Don’t set a launch date too early.
Don’t set your launch date until you’ve confirmed with your production team exactly when your pieces will be ready. And even then, add a few extra weeks as a buffer. Fabrics or trims can arrive late, seamstresses may get sick or take time off, and unexpected delays are completely normal.
11. Launch small, listen, adjust, repeat.
Your first launch is a test. Pay attention to what people love, what sizes sell, what questions come up, what feels natural to you and what drains you. Adjust and refine.
12. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
Enjoy every part of the journey. Not just the launch day. Even the challenges make you stronger and wiser. Remember, we don’t take elevators.
I hope this helps.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us. We’re always happy to assist.
Love,
Rodica
